New to having a VERY long-haired cat. Need some advice.

Hi, I'm new to this forum.

We've always had cats, and some have had longer hair than others, but this past Saturday, we adopted a three-year-old sister and brother.  He's a short-haired domestic (all white with black patches on the top of his head by his ears, and a black and gray striped tail with a white tip); she's a VERY long-haired cat (black cap and nose, black tail).   They are so lovable and sweet!!  And BIG!!!

The shelter took very good care of them for the five months they were there, and did brush them daily.  However, although the top portions of her coat and tail are very silky smooth, I have noticed matted hair under her front legs by her belly, and on her inside lower legs.  She is also polydactl (such cute BIG paws!).   I"ve never had a cat with mats in their fur, so I'm a little hesitant about what to do.  She does love being brushed, but is still adapting to the house, and we are not quite at the "being held and loved" point yet.  Someone advised I should cut the mats.  They aren't huge, about a quarter spot in diameter, but a hunk of extended matting.

I'd appreciate any advice in dealing with this.  Thank you.  

Hello!! And sorry the long delay in replies to your thread! AWW - your two new rescues sound lovely and so lucky to have you. I would not recommend cutting out the mats yourself because cats skin is SO very thin and delicate. I would take her to a cat groomer and have her looked at to see whether they can be easily clipped off with the clippers or that she may need a lion cut. Quite a few member's here do have their cats shaved regularly for the summer anyway so your new girl might not mind at all. Hope it has all worked out since you posted!

Definitely take her to the groomer, as often as you need to until she's comfortable with you brushing her all over. Then, daily brushing, with special attention to the spots where she's matted now. Also, get some kind of hair ball gell for her; it may take a few tries before you find one that she likes. And get used to all the chairs being covered with cat fur; warn visitors before they sit down. You'll probably want to invest in a lint roller for yourself, and be prepared to lend it out to guests.

Also, be aware that guests who have a mild cat allergy will likely discover that it's a strong cat allergy when they're around your lovely long hair. Give them fair warning. And include all guests in that; some of them may have been hiding a mild allergy.

Been there, done that.

Margret

Thank you both for the recommendations. Never thought of a groomer. I'll also invest in some hair ball gel. After posting this, we've noticed matted hair hunks on the floor, so it looks like she's pulling them out herself. She is getting better and more trusting with the brushing, and the matted fur underneath isn't as prevelant, but still there,

I'm used to cleaning cat hair from surfaces a lot, so there is no change in that routine. It's funny, my other cat ran and hid when I brought out the vacuum, but these two act like it's a spectator sport! They both adjusted well.